Boys' Soccer team earns two more awards

The Boys' Soccer team earned two more awards this week to go along with their state championship trophy. Joe Frimpong was named 4A Boys' Soccer Coach of the Year and senior David Leslie was named 4A Boys' Soccer Co-Player of the Year. Congratulations to Joe, David and the rest of the Boys' Soccer team. You all had an excellent season.David Leslie, 2009 4A Boys' Soccer Co-Player of the Year
Joe Frimpong, 2009 4A Boys' Soccer Coach of the Year

JV Boys' Basketball Loses in overtime

The JV Boys' Basketball team started off the season by playing the Varsity squad from Damascus Christian. The game went into overtime tied 42-42. Damascus eventually pulled ahead and won 48-46. Kristin Rubalcava took some more great photos. To access all of her photos click here.

Boys' Soccer Wins State Title

The Boys' Soccer team defeated McLoughlin High School by a score of 2-1 on Saturday and won the State Championship Title. The game was tied at the half 0-0. La Salle scored first with a header by David Leslie on a corner kick. That was followed by a breakaway score by Alex Sulitzer. McLoughlin followed with a score by Christian Zaragoza, leaving the crowd anxious for the last few minutes to tick off the clock. It was a great game and it was awesome to see so many La Salle fans out supporting our team. It was the perfect end to a terrific season. For the statistics of the game click here. To read the article from the Oregonian click here.

David Leslie heading the ball into the back of the net.

David Leslie celebrating his header for the first score of the game.

Alex Sulitzer a few seconds before he knocks the ball in the net.

Photos by Anita Dethlefs.

Cottage Grove Sneaks by La Salle on Penalty Kick in OSAA First Round

COTTAGE GROVE – La Salle Prep turned in an impressive performance in the first round of the OSAA playoffs Saturday night, but came up just short in a 1-0 loss to the Cottage Grove Lions.

The Falcons were eliminated from the tournament and concluded their season with an overall record of 9-7-1.

In a game played almost entirely in a driving rainstorm, Cottage Grove scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick late in the second half after La Salle was whistled for an unintentional handball in the box.

“Although we didn’t get the result we were hoping for in Cottage Grove, I thought our girls played some of their best soccer all season,” said first-year Falcon coach Ryan Cereghino. “I hate to have a game decided by a penalty, but that is how it goes sometimes. There were a lot of actions all over the field which led to the shot and the inadvertent handball.”

The game marked the end of the prep careers for eight La Salle seniors: Carly Christoferson, Elizabeth Danna, Stephanie Socotch, Marissa Cereghino, Courtney Lyell, Ashley Nunn, Genny Robinson, and Safiyah Maurice.

“After the game I told the players how proud I was of them,” said Cereghino. “The seniors will be missed, and provided our leadership all season. I am confident that the juniors will step into their leadership roles next year and continue where we left off. Coach O’Dell-Ream and Coach Braghero did an amazing job with the varsity squad and are great assets to the program. Coach Strand also did a great job developing the JV players and I anticipate some of these players to step up and contribute to the varsity team next year. I had a great year, and the players and the parents made this an enjoyable season. I am already excited and looking toward next year.”

Dave Haglund

JV Football loses to Estacada 22-16

The JV team lost their final game of the season to the undefeated Estacada Rangers.

Photos by Kristin Rubalcava.

Snader, Maurice Come Through with Key Goals to Help La Salle Move into OSAA Playoffs

MILWAUKIE – Michelle Snader and Safiyah Maurice scored goals Tuesday night to lead La Salle Prep to a 2-1 victory over North Marion High School in a Capital Conference play-in game. The win vaulted the Falcons into the OSAA girls’ soccer state playoffs, where they will open with a road game vs. Cottage Grove High School Saturday at 5 p.m.

“I am very proud of the girls,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “They have worked hard all season, battled through injuries, and deserve to represent our league in the state playoffs.”

The Falcons, 9-6-1, opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Snader, a junior, put away a rebound following a shot on goal by senior Stephanie Socotch. Socotch’s shot was deflected the Husky goalkeeper, allowing Snader to find the loose ball and punch home a score from close range.

But the Huskies came right back to get the equalizer when captain Lindsey Evenson scored on a rebound shot of her own in the 22^nd minute. La Salle keeper Natalie Byrne made a valiant diving save of a shot, but Evenson was in the vicinity to collect the loose ball and tie the score 1-1.

The teams battled back and forth until a little less than 17 minutes remained in the game. That’s when La Salle senior Safiyah Maurice, positioned out beyond the top of the box, left-footed a 21-yard shot to the far post. The ball caromed off the post and traveled to the opposite side of the goal mouth, where it bounded off the near post and into the side netting.

La Salle totaled 16 shots (eight on goal) to North Marion’s seven (five on goal).

The winner of Saturday’s La Salle-Cottage Grove matchup will advance to play at Catlin Gabel Tuesday.

Dave Haglund

The Varsity football team lost a close game to Molalla

The Varsity lost 44-41 to Molalla.

Before the game we celebrated all of the seniors on the football and cheerleading teams.

We also gave special recognition to Stan Griffith for his 8 years of service and leadership with the booster club and concessions stand.

To see all of Kristin's photos click here.

JV Football Defeats Molalla 34-0

It was a muddy night in Molalla. The JV football team played well and won 34-0. Kristin Rubalcava took some great pictures.

Socotch’s 3rd Game-Winning Goal Helps La Salle Beat Stayton, 1-0; Senior Night Thursday

STAYTON – Stephanie Socotch notched her third game-winning goal of the season here Tuesday afternoon to help La Salle Prep to a 1-0 Capital Conference girls’ varsity soccer victory over Stayton High School.

The win improved the Falcons’ conference record to 7-2-1 and their overall mark to 8-5-1.

Socotch, a senior who returned to the lineup after sitting out since Oct. 15 with a concussion, fought through two defenders late in the second half to get to a pass from Courtney Lyell and slid the ball past the Stayton goalkeeper.

“Steph’s leadership and play on the field is so valuable to us,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “She provides a level of intensity and skill that is unmatched. Courtney Lyell started at right wing and played her best game of the season. She plays intense defense, fought for many 50-50 balls, and put some nice balls into our strikers’ feet, including finding Stephanie for the game-winning score.”

La Salle held a decided advantage in shots on goal, registering nine to Stayton’s one, in a game played on a sloppy, muddy field.

“This was the first time all season we played on a loose, muddy field,” said Cereghino. “Our players adjusted well as the game progressed and focused on their touch on the ball. I thought Stayton’s keeper played very well and made some key saves for their team.”

Next up for La Salle is Senior Night Thursday vs. Gladstone at La Salle Stadium. The match begins at 6:30 p.m.

Eight seniors playing in their final regular season home game will be Carly Christoferson, Liz Danna, Stephanie Socotch, Marissa Cereghino, Genny Robinson, Courtney Lyell, Ashley Nunn, and Safiyah Maurice.

Dave Haglund

Last Friday the Varsity football team defeated Stayton

Here is a link to a 5 minute highlight video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/LaSallePrep#p/f/0/hWntJ6ssR0o

Carly Christoferson’s Early Goal Lifts La Salle Prep to 1-0 Win Over Cascade

TURNER, Ore. – Carly Christoferson’s goal in the fifth minute was the difference-maker Tuesday as La Salle Prep defeated Cascade High 1-0 in a Capital Conference girls’ varsity soccer match.

Christoferson, playing a ball in the right corner, crossed the ball toward the goal that floated over the head of the Cascade keeper and into the back of the net. The Falcons dominated possession for much of the remainder of the contest, outshooting the Cougars 14-2.

“I asked a handful of players to take on new positions for the game vs. Cascade,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “We had some players who missed some or all of the game due to injuries or family commitments. These players showed their versatility by doing a wonderful job with their new responsibilities on the field. Marissa Cereghino moved from the defensive line to help the team at striker and as a center midfielder. Genny Robinson played the game at right back and Amanda Byrne played as stopper.”

La Salle improved to 6-1-1 in conference play and 7-4-1 overall.

Dave Haglund

JV Football team defeats Stayton

The JV boys football team defeated Stayton 39-0. Kristin Rubalcava took some great photos.

Socotch’s Second-Half Goal Lifts La Salle Prep to 1-0 Girls’ Soccer Victory over Estacada

MILWAUKIE – A season-high 32-shot attack by La Salle Prep resulted in just one goal but that was all the Falcons needed Thursday night as they registered their second straight Capital Conference varsity girls’ soccer victory with a 1-0 win over Estacada.

Stephanie Socotch, a senior midfielder, was credited with the game-winner when she put a shot to the right corner of the net after trapping a Marissa Cereghino corner kick in the middle of the box five minutes into the second half. Socotch, who leads the team with five goals, left the game later with a mild concussion after getting struck in the back of the head with a ball cleared by Estacada.

La Salle improved to 5-1-1 in conference play and will take an overall record of 6-4-1 into Monday’s game at Cascade.

“The team did a much better job of creating offensive chances, especially by running down balls and forcing corner kicks,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “Marissa Cereghino has been putting in nice balls from the corner and the game was decided by finishing one of these set plays.”

Senior Liz Danna was one of a number of Falcons who stood out offensively, according to Ryan Cereghino.

“Liz is really starting to develop in the center of our midfield,” said the first-year Falcon head coach. “She made some wonderful passes to our wings down the line and smart runs with the ball up the field. She created some dangerous offensive chances for us with her penetrating runs.”

Not to be outdone was a sturdy Falcon defense, which recorded its second consecutive shutout and third in its last four games.

“The back line – comprised of senior Marissa Cereghino, junior Emily Basile, and freshmen Amanda Byrne and Chloe Basile -- did a great job of limiting Estacada’s shots and offensive production,” said the Falcon coach. “Senior Genny Robinson also played well in the back after Stephanie’s concussion. I needed to move Marissa up into the midfield and Genny did a good job of keeping our defensive line strong.”

Dave Haglund

La Salle Boys' defeat North Marion 2-1

Photos by Anita Dethlefs

La Salle Gets Timely Goal from Freshman Amanda Byrne to Escape with 1-0 Victory over North Marion

AURORA – Freshman Amanda Byrne’s goal inside the game’s final two minutes lifted La Salle Prep to a 1-0 victory over North Marion in girls’ varsity soccer here Tuesday.

The Falcons, who improved to 4-1-1 in Capital Conference play, controlled the match from the outset but were unable to finish any attacks until Byrne’s timely goal, her first of the season. La Salle, which defeated North Marion 1-0 for the second time this season, outshot the Huskies 15-2.

“The players had to play all 80 minutes this game to get the result we were looking for,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino. “Amanda has played solid for us all season as outside back, and I am proud she had the opportunity to score the game winner.”

Byrne’s goal, which came on a half-volley with the outside of her right foot from close range, was set up by a corner kick by Marissa Cereghino.

“I moved Marissa to the forward position for the final 10 minutes of the game,” said Ryan Cereghino of his younger sister, who normally plays in the back line. “We needed to give North Marion a new look up front, and Marissa helped provide the extra energy we needed up top. She ran down some great balls from our midfield and earned the team two corner kicks, the last of which resulted in the game-winning goal. I give North Marion a lot of credit for making us earn everything in the game.”

Falcon keeper Natalie Byrne, Amanda’s older sister, was credited with the shutout.

La Salle returns home to host Estacada Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Dave Haglund

Gladstone Ends La Salle’s 5-Game Unbeaten Streak, 3-0

MILWAUKIE – Gladstone High put an end to La Salle’s five-game unbeaten streak Monday night, handing the Falcon varsity girls’ soccer team a 3-0 setback for their first Capital Conference loss of the season.

The Gladiators, who controlled things offensively for much of the 80-minute match, took an early 1-0 lead in the game’s 16^th minute when Haleigh Murrell gathered a rebound just outside the box and hooked a shot from 20 yards that sailed over the head of La Salle keeper Natalie Byrne.

Gladstone’s Ashley Beykovsky made it 2-0 midway through the second half when she scored following a cross from the right wing by Murrell. Beykovsky’s initial shot bounded off the right post, but she was there to put the carom away for good. Less than four minutes later, Gladstone closed out the scoring when Amber Jensen scored from close range into an empty net.

“I was impressed by the intensity that our players brought to the game,” said La Salle head coach Ryan Cereghino. “It was the hardest, toughest I have seen our players battle all season. I have to give recognition to our goalkeeper Natalie Byrnes. She played tough and took a beating coming out on a few shots. She received a few knocks to the head, including a forward’s knee, but she fought through it. Natalie also stopped a penalty kick with a diving save to her right. I was very proud of her performance and she is finding her tenacity and leadership in goal.”

La Salle, 4-4-1 overall and 3-1-1 in conference play, next plays North Marion High in a 4 p.m. road game Tuesday, Oct. 13. The Falcons defeated the Huskies 1-0 at La Salle Stadium on Sept. 17.

Dave Haglund

JV Football team defeats Scappoose

Highlighted by some big runs by JJ Fisher and some great receptions by Vince Matteson, the JV football team defeated Scappoose on Thursday. Kristin Rubalcava took some great photos.

Falcon Girls’ Soccer Dominates Stayton in 3-0 Victory

MILWAUKIE – Elizabeth Danna, Ashley Nunn and Stephanie Socotch scored goals Thursday afternoon to lead the La Salle Prep girls’ varsity soccer team to a 3-0 Capital Conference victory over Stayton High School.

With the win, the Falcons improved to 4-0-1 in league play and 4-3-1 overall entering a key conference clash at rival Gladstone High School Monday night.

“The girls did a good job of bouncing back against Stayton,” said La Salle coach Ryan Cereghino, referencing a 3-3 Tuesday tie at Molalla in a game the Falcons led 3-0. “The theme for the Stayton game was to play an 80-minute game, and they did a better job at accomplishing that goal. We made good use of the width of our grass field, and our wings made good, smart runs.”

In a match dominated by La Salle from start to finish, the Falcons jumped out to an early lead when Danna, a senior midfielder, gathered a loose ball in the box and fired into the upper right corner of the goal 8 ½ minutes into the contest. It was Danna’s first goal of the season.

The Falcons extended their lead midway through the second half on Nunn’s first goal of the season. In a great hustle play, Nunn fought through two defenders out top, secured possession and was able to put a shot into the left corner of the net with 18:34 remaining.

La Salle’s final tally came courtesy of a penalty kick by Socotch, who scored a goal for the third consecutive game. Socotch’s PK, a bullet to the right corner of the goal with 11:53 left, was set up when Laura Vandehey was taken down in the box.

The Falcons outshot Stayton 18-1.

Dave Haglund

Freshman Jen McNasser Scores Twice as La Salle Prep Battles Molalla to 3-3 Standoff

MOLALLA – It was a classic tale of two halves here Tuesday night as La Salle Prep’s girls’ varsity soccer team played Molalla High to a 3-3 standoff in a Capital Conference game.

The first half was owned by the Falcons, who struck for two goals within a minute and added a third score just six minutes before intermission for a 3-0 advantage. But a heavy downpour at halftime seemed to wash away any thoughts that Molalla would go down quietly; the Indians got on the board 42 seconds into the second half, added another score 10 minutes later, and tallied the equalizer on a penalty kick with just 3:15 left.

It was the first non-win in four Capital Conference starts for La Salle, which is 3-0-1 in league play and 3-3-1 overall heading into Thursday afternoon’s 4:15 p.m. home game vs. Stayton.

“The girls played a great first half,” said La Salle head coach Ryan Cereghino. “Unfortunately, we did not come out strong in the second half and let Molalla back into the game with a quick goal. I give Molalla a lot of credit for not giving up and fighting for a draw. The players are going to learn from this experience and need to realize that a game is 80 minutes long, not 40.”

Freshman Jen McNasser was the offensive standout for the Falcons, striking for her first goals of the season in lightning-quick fashion midway through the first half. Her first came on a chip shot from 18 yards out after a series of caroms in the box following a Falcon corner kick, and her second was a one-touch liner 54 seconds later that came after a perfectly placed low cross from the right wing by Michelle Snader.

“Jen does a great job of listening at practice, reading the game, and putting herself in good positions on the field,” said Cereghino. “She hit the ball solid on frame and good things happened.”

Senior midfielder Stephanie Socotch, who scored a goal for the second consecutive game , gave La Salle a 3-0 advantage with 6:15 left in the opening half when she took a short feed from Elizabeth Danna and converted from 20 yards.

Falcon keeper Natalie Byrne turned in an outstanding defensive performance with a series of spectacular second-half saves against an onslaught of shots by Molalla, most of which came off the foot of the Indians’ Claire Thomas, who had two of her team’s three goals.

The speedy Thomas scored on a breakaway into the box at the 39:18 mark of the second half to give the Indians new life and cut the deficit to 3-1. After a couple of Thomas near-misses, including one shot that caromed off the right post and another from point-blank range that was saved by Byrne, the Molalla freshman struck again when she deposited a shot into the left corner of the net at the 13:39 mark.

Byrne came up with some more outstanding defensive plays in goal as La Salle tried to protect its lead, but when the Falcons were called for a foul in the box with 3:15 left, Molalla captain Anna Russell delivered a penalty kick into the left corner of the net to tie the score 3-3.

Dave Haglund

Boys' Soccer defeats Molalla 3-0

The Boys' soccer team defeated a tough conference opponent on Tuesday night.

Photos by Anita Dethlefs.